Kurt Roper impresses in final game as Duke’s offensive coordinator

Serving as the Blue Devils’ offensive coordinator for the final time before taking the same position at Florida, Kurt Roper orchestrated an offensive attack that traded punches with Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M throughout the Chick-Fil-A Bowl on Tuesday night before ultimately losing 52-48.

In doing so, Roper has created a swell of confidence among Gators fans that has been lacking for the past several years after seasons full of stalled offensive drives and low-scoring games.

Duke’s offense finished with 661 total yards and six touchdowns in the type of back-and-forth shootout that has become uncommon in Gainesville since Tim Tebow last played for the Gators. More importantly, Roper showcased his ability to use a blend of offensive philosophies to attack the Aggies, an ability Florida coach Will Muschamp searched for when hiring an offensive coordinator this offseason.

Duke quarterback Anthony Boone passed for 427 yards and three touchdowns while tailback Josh Snead rushed for 104 yards on 17 carries (6.1 yards per attempt) and a touchdown. The duo was outdone by a transcendent performance by Manziel, who accounted for five touchdowns, but showed the big-play ability Florida fans are craving.

With his duties at Duke now completed, Roper will make the transition to Gainesville and attempt to begin repairing a broken offense.

Florida scored at least 30 points in just two games while going 4-8 last season. The Gators finished last in the SEC in scoring (18.8 points per game) and total offense (316.7 yards per game), which led to the firing of offensive coordinator Brent Pease on Dec. 1.

If Roper’s final showing with the Blue Devils is any indication, those numbers could be much different next season with a healthy Jeff Driskel at quarterback and Kelvin Taylor expecting to be the featured running back.